By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Nov 15 — The state government is launching Ambulans Kita Selangor, a new initiative offering free ambulance services to ease the financial burden on citizens during emergencies.
According to Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari, a total of RM1 million will be allocated for the initiative under Tabung Selangor Bangkit.
The programme will initially be rolled out in four city councils in Selangor, with plans to expand to other local authorities based on its effectiveness and public demand.
[caption id="attachment_379899" align="alignright" width="389"]
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari tables the 2025 Selangor State Budget in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly in Shah Alam on November 15, 2024. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
“Next year, the state government will provide the Ambulans Kita Selangor free of charge, in partnership with established providers like the Malaysian Red Crescent and St. John Ambulance Malaysia, so that those in need can access emergency ambulance services without worrying about costs.
"The greatest wealth is health. Aligning with this adage, the Selangor State Government believes that a healthy population is essential for a strong economy, particularly in boosting workforce participation and productivity,” he said when tabling the 2025 Selangor Budget today.
Amirudin also announced a RM40 million allocation for public healthcare initiatives in 2025, of which RM20 million will be channeled into the Iltizam Selangor Sihat (ISS) programme, which now covers up to RM10,000 in dialysis treatments for chronic kidney patients.
The comprehensive health package includes RM5 million each for Bantuan Sihat Selangor and a dedicated cardiac treatment scheme, while RM2 million has been earmarked for the Selangor Saring free health screening programme.
In a parallel development, the state government is tackling Selangor's mounting dengue crisis head-on with a RM4 million allocation, with Selgate Healthcare Sdn Bhd in talks to introduce dengue vaccines.
The state has also set aside RM500,000 for mental health initiatives under the Selangor Mental Sihat programme and RM1 million for a health fund dedicated to state civil servants.
A total of RM3 billion is allocated for the 2025 Selangor Budget, an increase of RM470 million compared to this year’s budget.
Themed ‘A Dynamic Selangor: An Ideal Quest for a Civil Malaysia,’ the state budget has five main thrusts, namely Artificial Intelligence and Education as a Catalyst for State Economic Development, Uplifting an Aspiration of a Sustainable Environment and Quality Infrastructure, Promoting a Compassionate State, Championing an Efficient and Responsible System of Government, and Breathing New Life into the Creative Economy and Developing the Next Generation.
